Very interestingsoldier's letter fromF.M.G. Melton, Co B. 130th Regt Ind. Vol. Inft, Decator Georgia, Sept 19, 1864, 2 8x10 pages with damaged cover to his wife, in good spirits and fine health, received all the money, busy in the office day and night, you want me to send my miniature (CDV), if you saw the condition of this country you would not find an artist venturing out, would not think hard of my colonel if he would let me bring them to you, it would be a comfort to spend a few days with you after so much marcking and fighting, talks about doing payrolls and muster rolls, walks about a mile and back for his meals, good exercise after sitting all day, give my respects to all inquiring friends and mybitterest curses to all butternuts and traitors. Letter in fine solid condition with small embossing upper left corner of a capitol like building, some letters or numbers below it but cannot make them out.

Francis M.G. Melton

Residence Anderson IN;
Enlisted on 12/29/1863 as a Private.
On 12/29/1863 he mustered into "B" Co. IN 130th Infantry
He was Mustered Out on 12/2/1865 at Charlotte, NC
Promotions:
* Sergt
One Hundred and Thirtieth Infantry
INDIANA
(3-YEARS)
One Hundred and Thirtieth Infantry. -- Col., Charles S.
Parrish; Lieut.Cols., James R. Bruner, Elijah W. Penny; Majs.,
Joseph W. Purviance, Elijah W. Penny, Jesse Butler.
This regiment was organized at Kokomo during the winter of
1863-64, and was mustered in March 12. It left the state on
the 16th for Nashville, Tenn., where it was assigned to the
2nd brigade, 1st division, 23rd corps.
It left Nashville April 5 and marched to Charleston, Tenn.,
reaching there on the 24th. On May 3 it moved to Georgia,
engaging in the affair at Rocky Face Ridge and supporting the
detachment that drove the enemy from his strong position on
"Tater Hill."
It was in the series of skirmishes that terminated in the
battle of Resaca, in which the regiment received and repelled
a charge, joining in the pursuit after the battle. It was
engaged at Lost Mountain, and again at Pine Mountain, where
the enemy was repulsed, and on June 27 fought at Kennesaw
Mountain, driving the enemy into his works, holding the
advanced position thus gained for several days, and joining in
pursuit of the enemy on July 17, the regiment drove the enemy
from Decatur and assisted in destroying the railroad.
It was actively engaged at Atlanta; moved with its brigade
Aug. 6, upon a battery which was annoying the Union flank, and
participated in a charge that drove the enemy from the field.
It was engaged at Jonesboro; moved thence to Lovejoy's
Station, and from there to Decatur, where it went into camp.
Joining the pursuit of Hood on Oct. 4, it proceeded to
Gaylesville, Ala., at which point its corps was detached and
ordered to join Gen. Thomas' command at Nashville.
Stopping at Centerville, it was engaged in watching the fords
of Duck river until the last of November, in the expectation
of intercepting Hood's army; moving then to Nashville, it took
part in the work of fortifying that point, and in the battle
of Dec. 15-16, joining in the pursuit after Hood's defeat.
It was in camp at Columbus until Jan. 5, 1865, marching thence
to Clifton and taking transports for Cincinnati moving from
there to Fort Fisher via Washington. Proceeding to Fort
Anderson, it sailed on March 1, for Morehead City, thence to
New Berne.
It was engaged at Wise's Forks, 4 miles from Kinston. Leaving
Kinston on the 20th, it moved to Goldsboro, where it joined
Sherman's army. On April 10 it moved with the army to
Smithfield and Raleigh. At the conclusion of active
operations it moved to Greensboro, thence to Charlotte, N. C.,
where it remained on guard duty during the summer and fall.
It was mustered out Dec. 2, 1865. The original strength was
964; gain by recruits, 28; total, 992. Loss by death, 178; by
desertion, 21; unaccounted for, 9.
Source: The Union Army, vol. 3, p. 184
Reports of Col. Charles S. Parrish, One hundred and thirtieth Indiana
Infantry, of operations May 9-17 and June 24--August 11.
HDQRS. 130TH REGT. INDIANA INFANTRY VOLS.,
In the Field, May 21, 1864.
SIR: In compliance with request, I have the honor to submit the
following report of the part taken by my command in the recent
campaign commencing on the 9th and ending on the 17th instant:
On the morning of the 9th, in pursuance of orders, left camp
at Harris' house and proceeded to Potato Hill, where we found the
enemy in force. After many tactical and highly interesting battalion
maneuvers, was finally ordered to send forward one company, to
be deployed as skirmishers, to act in conjunction with a company
detailed from the One hundred and twenty-third Regt. Indiana
Infantry for like purpose. I immediately ordered Capt. Barnes,
commanding Company I, for this duty, who proceeded to the front
indicated. The captain while discharging this duty was disabled
by a shot from the enemy passing through his body immediately
above the hips and was carried from the field. In this connection
it is proper to state that the captain discharged the duty assigned
him in an intelligent, brave, and skillful manner, and while his
comrades were bearing him from the field he reprimanded them for
leaving their posts to administer to his wants.
In this affair the following additional casualties occurred: Benjamin
Bowler, George Butcher, James H. Williamson, William Irwin, Company I, wounded.
In the morning, by order, I fell back to Harris' house. Inasmuch
as my command was not assigned a front from the morning of the
10th until the close of the conflict at Resaca on the 17th instant, I am
unable to report any facts shedding light upon the occurrences of
that conflict, or conducing to the benefit of the public service.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
C. S. PARRISH,
Col., Comdg. 130th Regt. Indiana Infty. Vols.
HDQRS. 130TH REGT. INDIANA INFANTRY,
Before Atlanta, Ga., August 13, 1864.
COL.: I have the honor to submit the following brief summary
of the part taken by my command during the present campaign
in Georgia, commencing June 24 and ending August 11, 1864:
June 25, by your order, moved in front of works occupied by our
forces, near the residence of Charles W. Manning, and by the assistance
of a working party from the Ninety-ninth Regt. Ohio Infantry,
constructed a new line of works, covering a regimental front,
an open field in front; threw out skirmishers or pickets to relieve
men on that duty from Second Brigade; occupied the works until
June 27, when I was relieved by the Ninety-ninth Regt. Ohio
Infantry Volunteers, and by your order moved to the left and front
in support of the balance of the brigade, whom I found warmly
engaged skirmishing with the enemy; remained in reserve June
28, when I relieved the One hundred and twenty-third Regiment
Indiana Infantry on front line; remained there until June 30, when,
by your order, left the position and advanced to cross-roads; skirmished
with the enemy; threw up works, and remained until the
evening of July 4, when, in conjunction with the One hundred and
twenty-ninth Regt. Indiana Infantry Volunteers, moved up and
filled a gap between the Sixteenth and Twentieth Corps; put up
works; threw out skirmishers under fire of musketry and shell from
the enemy, and at 9 p. m. moved up and occupied abandoned works
of the enemy. July 6, moved to Ruff's Station on railroad; remained
there until July 8, when we moved to position on Chattahoochee
River; remained until July 11, on which day we crossed
the river, took up position, and remained until July 14. Moved to
the left one and a half miles; remained in camp and in reserve until
July 17, 8 a. m., when the command moved in direction of Decatur.
July 18, entered Decatur in rear of brigade. July 20, after moving
to the right, and within three miles of Atlanta, by your order,
detailed seven Companies from my command, under charge of Lieut.
Col. James R. Bruner, One hundred and thirtieth Indiana Infantry,
as skirmishers, who engaged the enemy sharply. Lieut. William
H. Cone, Company B, a brave and gallant officer, received a mortal
wound while in the discharge of this duty, and expired the next morning.
July 22, took up position in rear line on a ridge beyond a line
of outer works evacuated by the enemy. July 23, took up position
on front line, supporting Nineteenth Ohio and Twenty-second Indiana
Batteries; remained in this position under sharp fire from the
enemy until August 1, moved to the rear and right one mile. On
the 2d of August moved to the right about eight miles, and, by your
order, took up a position on a road running in a south westerly direction.
On the evening of the 3d supported the One hundred and
twenty-third Regiment, who were driving in the skirmishers of the
enemy near -------Mill; threw up breast-works under a heavy fire
from the enemy, and remained in that position until the morning of
August 6, when I moved to the right, and at 4 p. m., having discovered
the enemy in front of us occupying a commanding position,
with two pieces of artillery, and two large open fields intervening,
by your order, I immediately formed in 1 line of battle, and with the
balance of your brigade charged the position. Owing to the nature
of the ground, which was quite rough, and the impetuosity of the
troops, and the distance to be made over open ground under a galling
fire from front and left flank, no little confusion ensued in the ranks,
yet the men pushed on right gallantly and drove the enemy before
us. By your order, I immediately took up position and threw up
breast-works, covering the left flank of the brigade. Remained in
this position until night-fall, when we retired and moved four miles
to the left near our original position left that morning. Since that
time my command has remained comparatively inactive, nothing
occurring of unusual interest to the service.
I transmit herewith a list of casualties occurring in the command
during the period covered by this report.*
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
C. S. PARRISH,
Col., Comdg. 130th Regt. Indiana Infantry Vols.
[Col. P. T. SWAINE,
Cmdg. Second Brigade, First Division.]
Source: Official Records
PAGE 562-73 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L.
[Series I. Vol. 38. Part II, Reports. Serial No. 73.]
Report of Col. Charles S. Parrish, One hundred and thirtieth Indiana
Infantry, of operations August 12--September 8.
HDQRS. 130TH REGT. INDIANA INFANTRY VOLS.,
Decatur, Ga., September 9, 1864.
SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part
taken by my command in the late campaign, commencing August 12, 1864:
From August 12 to 21 remained in camp on the right center of
the brigade, building breast-works and skirmishing with the enemy,
who occupied a strong position about one mile to our front. On the
21st moved to the right about three miles in support of the Second
Brigade. Returned to camp same evening; did not encounter the
enemy. August 22, again moved to the extreme right four miles to
------- Church in support of cavalry under command of Gen.
Kilpatrick. Returned to original camp same evening without encountering
the enemy. Remained in camp until August 28, when I
moved with the brigade a distance of six miles, and occupied for the
night breast-works already constructed by -------. August 29,
moved to the left and front three-fourths of a mile with the brigade
in support of ------- cavalry. At 11 a. m. again took up the line of
march with the brigade and moved to the right and front toward
Montgomery railroad a distance of two miles. August 30, moved
with the brigade to the right and front a distance of three miles to
the right of the Second Brigade; constructed breast-works. August
31, marched with the brigade to the right and front a distance of
--- miles, crossing the Montgomery railroad.
September 1, moved to the front, striking the Macon railroad
three miles south of Rough and Ready Station about 2 p. m. Heavy
firing heard to the south, supposed to be in the vicinity of Jonesborough.
Moved down the railroad and camped three miles from
Jonesborough. September 2, marched with the brigade at 8 a. m.
in a southEasterly direction; did not find any enemy except a weak
rear guard until about sundown, when we found the enemy in force.
Took up position amid darkness and no little confusion within range
of the enemy's guns, both musketry and artillery playing upon us.
September 3, at 1 p. m. moved to the rear and left one-fourth mile
and took up position in an open field and constructed breast-works.
Lost 1 man killed and 2 wounded while getting into position. Remained
in this position until 8 p. m. September 5, when I marched
with the brigade to the rear in direction of Decatur a distance of
eight miles, going into camp at daylight on the morning of the 6th:
remained in camp that day. September 7, marched slowly to the
rear in direction of Decatur, distance twelve miles. September 8,
marched seven miles and went into camp in the vicinity of Decatur,
where we now remain.
Inclosed you will please find list of casualties occurring in the
command during the period covered by this report.*
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
C. S. PARRISH,
Col., Comdg. 130th Regt. Indiana Vol. Infantry.
Lieut. J. S. A. Blang,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-Gen.
Source: Official Records
CHAP. L.] REPORTS, ETC.--ARMY OF THE OHIO. PAGE 590-73
[Series I. Vol. 38. Part II, Reports. Serial No. 73.]
Nashville, TN after battle report:
No. 102.
Report of Col. Charles S. Parrish, One hundred and thirtieth Indiana
Infantry, of operations December 15-16, 1864.
HDQRS. 130TH INDIANA INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS,
Columbia, Tenn., December 22, 1864.
SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by my
command during the operations of the 15th and 16th instant:
On the morning of the 15th I was ordered into line a few rods outside of the
works surrounding Nashville supported on the right by the Twenty-fifth
Regt. Michigan Infantry, on the left by the Sixth Tennessee
Infantry. After marching some four miles toward the Hardin pike and
crossing the same, formed in line of battle, and commenced moving down
a steep hill toward the enemy's line; when near the foot of the hill the
enemy were observed in the act of planting artillery on a hill directly in our
front, which soon opened on the line of the First Brigade, when, without any
definite orders for that purpose, the whole line commenced moving rapidly
and with enthusiasm toward the rebel guns. Owing to the rapid and difficult
marching during the morning the line was not kept very perfect, yet the
crest of the hill was gained and the pieces-three in number-captured by the
First Brigade and a small number of dismounted cavalry. During this affair
the following enlisted men of my command were killed and wounded.*
I was then ordered forward to the next hill, and ordered to throw up works,
which was done, and skirmishers thrown out. At 10 p.m. was ordered to
report with my command to Capt. Milholland, and by him instructed to
throw up another line of works fronting directly toward the south, supported
on the left, by the One hundred and twenty-ninth Regt. Indiana Infantry
Volunteers, Second Brigade, Second Division, and on the right by the One
hundred and twenty-eighth Regt. Indiana Volunteers, [Third] Brigade,
Third Division, Twenty-third Army Corps. I remained in this position within
range of the enemy's guns until late in the afternoon of the 16th instant,
when ordered to move; marched three miles in line of battle; crossed the
Granny White pike, and camped on the farm of W. McCormack Lea, where
we remained until the morning of the 17t of December.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
C. S. PARRISH,
Col., Cmdg. 130th Indiana Volunteer Infantry.
Capt. T. C. HONNELL,
Source: Official Records
CHAP. LVII.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. PAGE 372-93
[Series I. Vol. 45. Part I, Reports, Correspondence, Etc. Serial No. 93.]
Report of Col. Charles S. Parrish, One hundred and
thirtieth Indiana Infantry, of operations March 8-10.
HDQRS. 130TH REGT. INDIANA INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS,
Camp near Kinston, N. C., April 3, 1865.
SIR: I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken by
my command in the operations against the enemy near Kingston, N. C.,
on the 8th, 9th, and 10th ultimo:
On the 8th broke camp on the Atlantic and North Carolina Railroad and
marched to Wise's Forks, a distance of five miles, where we found the
command of Gen. Palmer skirmishing with the enemy; under
direction of the brigade, commander threw out Company A to the front
as skirmishers, who were soon engaged with the skirmishers of the
enemy. Constructed breast-works in front of our line of battle, the
enemy during the night had also several times during the next day
making several persistent but ineffectual attempts to drive in our
skirmishers. On the 10th it became evident that the enemy were moving
to the right for the purpose of turning our extreme left flank, when, by
order of the brigade commander, I moved my command to the left,
occupying the left of the brigade and of the division; sent out Company
D as skirmishers, who soon engaged the enemy in their new position,
when I was ordered to report with my command to the commanding
officer of the Second Brigade, First Division, and with that command
moved back to my original position in rear of my breast-works.
I send herewith a list of casualties occurring in my command during
these operations.*
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
C. S. PARRISH,
Col., Cmdg. 130th Regt. Indiana Volunteer Infantry.
Lieut. W. H. COVERT,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., 2d Brig., 1st Div., 23d Army Corps.

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